Jonty fields for Young Tigers

The ensuing verbal exchange and shoving following the tight ICC U-19 World Cup final between India and Bangladesh left an unsavoury taste. Proteas legend Jonty Rhodes congratulated the Tigers and even as he did not defend any of the controversial incidents that took place following the end of the match, he congratulated the Young Tigers and said the team would learn.

The Proteas legend congratulated the Bangladesh U-19s team on their World Cup victory yesterday in a tweet. "Great win for @BCBtigers in the #U19CWCFinal Gr8 for them and Gr8 for cricket," he wrote in a tweet today.

The chaos following their win however became a topic of interest with the rivalry between the two sides reaching high temperature during the final.

Jonty was asked by a India fan whether Bangladesh's post-match celebration was good for the game or anyone else. Jonty's response was measured. "It's Gr8 for them; to learn from their experiences. All life depends on your perspective. I don't think they will do that again," he wrote.

Bangladesh captain Akbar Ali had said sorry to the Indian team for his side's part in the incident during a press conference yesterday. "I don't know what exactly happened. I didn't ask what was going on. But, you know, in the final, emotion can come out, and sometimes the boys were getting pumped, and emotions were coming through. As a youngster, it shouldn't happen. In any position, in any manner, we have to show the respect to the opponent, we should have respect for the game.

"Cricket is known for being a gentleman's game. So, I'll say, I'll be sorry for my team."